Electrical Conductor Wear Measurement Using the Skin Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable testing and diagnostic methods primarily assess insulation condition, failing to reliably determine the wear condition of the electrical conductor, which can wear at different rates than the insulation, leading to unpredictable failure and potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A method using the skin effect to measure the surface roughness of electrical conductors by introducing a high-frequency alternating current, analyzing the resistance values to determine conductor wear, and comparing with reference values for predictive maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cable testing and diagnostic methods are used, then insulation condition can be assessed, but conductor wear condition cannot be reliably determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical measurement methods with optical measurement technology. A laser beam is directed at the conductor surface and the reflected light is analyzed to determine surface roughness and wear characteristics. This optical substitution enables direct conductor wear assessment without relying on indirect insulation condition measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system (laser and optical sensors) to measure conductor wear. The laser serves as an intermediary that interacts with the conductor surface to provide wear information without requiring direct electrical contact or disassembly of the cable, enabling non-invasive wear measurement.
2Loss of information
If cable testing is performed to determine functionality, then insulation condition is detected, but conductor surface roughness and wear are not measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional measurement system that can assess both insulation condition (through existing electrical methods) and conductor wear (through optical methods) using a single integrated device. This universal approach prevents information loss about conductor wear while avoiding the need for separate specialized measurement systems.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If in-situ cable condition assessment is performed, then service life prediction can be made, but conductor wear progression cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary optical measurements of conductor surface roughness and wear characteristics during regular maintenance intervals. By capturing wear progression data early and continuously, the system can accurately predict remaining service life before actual failure occurs, enabling proactive maintenance scheduling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables non-destructive, in-situ assessment of conductor wear, allowing for reliable prediction of remaining service life and enabling proactive replacement, reducing downtime and safety risks.
Implementation Method 1
Using a skin effect, the surface roughness of the electrical lines or the electrical conductor of an electrical cable is measured
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 1F~1G
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for measuring a cable state of wear in order to determine cable wear, and use of a measurement apparatus. In a method according to the invention for measuring a cable state of wear, at least a metal conductor of the cable, which is not necessarily insulated, is measured in a cable portion concerned by the measurement or at a cable measurement point, preferably in respect of the surface properties of the conductor. With use of a measurement apparatus according to the invention, this measurement apparatus, in order to determine a cable state of wear, examines the surface or a radially outer material region close to the surface of at least one conductor extending in a cable.